Shooter Rubina Francis secured a bronze medal in the women’s air pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics on Saturday, adding to India’s impressive haul in the sport. Rubina scored 211.1 points in the eight-woman final, securing third place after qualifying in seventh position earlier in the day.
This achievement marks India’s fourth medal in shooting and fifth overall at the Paris Paralympics. Rubina’s journey in the sport began in 2015, driven by her admiration for Olympic shooter Gagan Narang. Despite financial challenges, her determination led her to Pune’s Gun for Glory Academy in 2017, with her father’s unwavering support, Indian Express’ profile on the paralympian stated.
Rubina’s talent quickly shone under the mentorship of Jai Prakash Nautiyal, leading to her selection at the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy. There, under the guidance of renowned coach Jaspal Rana, she honed her skills and earned her first international medal.
Her bronze follows Avani Lekhara’s historic defense of her women’s 10m air rifle gold and Mona Agarwal’s bronze in the same event on Friday. Manish Narwal also added to India’s medal tally with a silver in the men’s 10m air pistol (SH1). In the SH1 class, athletes compete by shooting from either a standing or sitting position, depending on their abilities.